This 3 Days Rwanda gorilla tour is exclusively about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park. It is ideal for visitors who are interested in only gorilla trekking or those with little time or a tight budget.
Based in the northwestern side of Rwanda and the adjoining Virunga National Park (in the Democratic Republic of Congo) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (in Uganda), with which they form part of the Virunga Conservation Area, you will overnight at one of the spectacular Lodges around the Park. There are over 350 mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, which makes it 35% of the World’s population of these Giant Apes. While you spend your days walking through the forest, also look out for elephants, other primates, birds, and more.
Highlights
- Spot the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat- Volcanoes National Park.
- Relax and relish the amenities in your accommodation around the jungles of Volcanoes National Park.
- Embark on a gorilla trekking adventure to meet one of the 12 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park alongside expert Ranger guides.
- Visit the Gorilla Guardian’s Village to learn about the cultures and traditions of Rwanda’s three ethnic groups- Twa, Hutu, and Tutsi.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Volcanoes National Park, Afternoon visit to Gorilla Guardian’s Village.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park, afternoon relaxation.
Day 3: Transfer to Kigali City, Depart.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Volcanoes National Park, Afternoon visit to Gorilla Guardian’s Village
Welcome to Rwanda! It is likely you have already been in the country for a bit and have seen some of the sights, and now it’s time to explore Volcanoes National Park. However, even in a safari destination as scenic and ecologically diverse as the “Land of a thousand Hills” (As Rwanda is usually referred), few locales compare to Volcanoes National Park.
Located in the northwestern side of Rwanda, the country’s first-ever National Park (established in 1925) is the premier destination for gorilla safaris in this part of the World. At 160 square kilometers, it is the third largest Protected Area after Akagera and Nyungwe National Parks.
You will arrive at your accommodation around Volcanoes National Park via private transfer from Kigali City. After checking in at the Lodge, settle in and have lunch while enjoying views of the stunning surroundings.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Gorilla Guardian’s Village for an introduction into a typical Rwandan culture and tradition via visits to the traditional healer, visits to the King’s Palace replica, tours of the banana brewery, the traditional meal preparation process, and traditional dances, among others. At the end of the exciting adventure, you will return to the Lodge for dinner and a relaxed evening.
Overnight accommodation at: The Bishop’s House (luxury), Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (midrange), and Kinigi Guesthouse (budget).
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park, afternoon relaxation
Rise and shine! It is time to head out into the jungles to track and spend time with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Leading this unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure will be expert guides and armed Rangers who will search for these Giant Apes in the wild.
The adventure starts with a briefing at Kinigi Park Headquarters to go through the rules and regulations of tracking and spending time with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Get transferred to the trailhead by vehicle and later start the walk through the forest to search for the Giant Apes. This is expected to last anywhere between one and six hours, with lots of creatures (primates, birds, butterflies, and others) to be sighted along the way. Once the allocated gorilla family is found, you will have to leave your bags behind before approaching them with only your camera.
The Ranger guides will explain the mountain gorillas’ behavior and advise on what you will be seeing. These include mothers caring for their infants, young males playing, and several others feeding, playing, and grooming each other. The time spent with the mountain gorillas (watching and photography) will be limited to 60 minutes, after which you will return to the base to meet your guide for a transfer back to the Lodge.
Lunch and later relaxation at the comfort of the Lodge while taking in beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes. You can also choose to take a leisurely stroll around the Lodge or take a village/cultural tour.
Overnight accommodation at: The Bishop’s House (luxury), Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (midrange), and Kinigi Guesthouse (budget).
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.
Day 3: Transfer to Kigali City, Depart
One gorilla trekking tour, a visit to Gorilla Guardian’s Village, and relaxation at the Lodge in three days is a pretty good average for any Gorilla Tour. No doubt, you have snapped plenty of photos of the famous mountain gorillas and other exotic wildlife and bird species to remember your time in Rwanda. After an early breakfast at the Lodge, you will pack up and make the three-hour transfer back to Kigali in time to catch your flight home or continue your onward safari adventures. Murabeho!
Meal Plan: Breakfast
End of our 3-day Rwanda Gorilla Tour.
Inclusions of the 3-day Rwanda Gorilla Tour;
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Volcanoes National Park.
- Gorilla trekking permit/s.
- Airport transfers, as long as it is within the 3-day Rwanda Gorilla Tour period.
- Relevant Government taxes and levies.
- Visit to Gorilla Guardian’s Village.
- Bottled water.
- Entry fees to Volcanoes National Park and other interesting tourist sites.
- Ranger fees.
- Ground transportation with a customized 4X4 Safari vehicle plus fuel fees.
- Driver allowances.
Exclusions of the 3-day Rwanda Gorilla Tour;
- Medical and travel insurance.
- Souvenir shopping.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Telephone calls.
- Cigarettes.
- Airfares.
- Rwanda Visa fees.
- Laundry fees.
- Porter fees.
- Gratuities for porters, Ranger guides, safari guide/s, and Lodge staff.